Player Updates

Baez agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million with the Dodgers on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

After missing the first couple weeks of the season with a thumb injury, Baez saw mixed results out of the Dodgers' bullpen last year, posting a 1.43 ERA prior to the All-Star break and a disastrous 5.13 ERA thereafter. He'll look to put together a more consistent 2018 campaign as one of the club's high-leverage relief arms.

Baez (coach's decision) returned to mound Saturday, giving up a hit over a scoreless inning in a loss to the Giants.

Baez was having a disastrous month of September (20.77 ERA in seven appearances), so manager Dave Roberts gave his reliever a couple of days off to get right. Saturday's scoreless appearance has to be considered a great success, but he remains too risky for those in holds leagues, especially with just over a week left in the regular season.

Manager Dave Roberts announced that Baez will receive a "couple of days off" to clear his mind, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Tuesday's disastrous four-run implosion brought Baez's September ERA up to 20.77 through seven appearances. The hard-throwing righty had experienced a long run of success as the Dodgers' primary setup man prior to this month (1.79 ERA and 22 holds), but his recent struggles combined with the announcement of his mental break have taken him completely out of the fantasy picture. Brandon Morrow and Josh Fields should see any hold opportunities that arise in his absence.

Baez gave up two runs (none earned) with two walks while retiring just one batter in Tuesday's extra-inning loss to Arizona.

Baez was brought into a tie game in the tenth inning, but he promptly walked the first two batters he faced before allowing the winning runs to score on a throwing error by Justin Turner. The hard-throwing righty has given up seven runs in three September appearances, watching his ERA jump from 1.79 to 2.57 in the process. Baez has avoided a looming regression all year (4.77 FIP), but his luck appears to be running dry down the stretch.

Baez recorded four outs while striking out two for his 22nd hold of the season against the Pirates on Thursday.

Kenley Jansen was unavailable due to his recent heavy usage, but it was Brandon Morrow, and not Baez, who assumed closing duties for the Dodgers on Thursday. Even though his fantasy owners weren't awarded with the vulture save, the 29-year-old continues to be a great asset in holds leagues with a 1.86 ERA and 22 holds through 53 appearances.